Adding page numbers to your Google Slides presentation can be super helpful when you want to keep things organized or need to reference specific slides. Here’s the quickest way to do it: open your presentation, click on ‘Insert’ in the top menu, then select ‘Slide numbers.’ Choose ‘Apply’ to all slides or select specific slides to number. And voilà, your slides now have neat, little numbers on them!
After you complete this action, you’ll see a small number appear on each slide in the location you chose. This will help you and your audience track the presentation progress and easily refer back to specific slides when needed.
Introduction
Ever found yourself thumbing through a stack of printed slides, trying to find that one crucial point you need to revisit? Or perhaps, mid-presentation, you want to jump back to a particular slide but can’t quickly locate it? This is where the brilliance of page numbers comes into play. Adding page numbers to your Google Slides presentation is like adding a navigational system that guides your audience through the flow of your ideas. It’s a seemingly small addition that has a mighty impact on the effectiveness of your presentation.
For educators, students, professionals, or anyone who uses Google Slides to share information, this topic is incredibly relevant. Page numbers ensure that your audience can follow along seamlessly and make your presentation look more polished and professional. They also make it easier for you to reference certain slides during Q&A sessions, discussions, or collaborative reviews. Whether you’re presenting in a classroom, boardroom, or webinar, knowing how to insert page numbers is a skill that will elevate the quality of your communication. So, let’s dive in and learn how to do just that!
Step by Step Tutorial: Adding Page Numbers to Google Slides
Before we begin, please ensure you have your Google Slides presentation open.
Step 1: Click on ‘Insert’
Click on the ‘Insert’ tab located in the top menu of your Google Slides presentation.
In the ‘Insert’ dropdown menu, you’ll see various options to add different elements to your slides, such as images, text boxes, and shapes. For our purpose, we’re interested in the ‘Slide numbers’ option.
Step 2: Select ‘Slide numbers’
In the ‘Insert’ menu, find and select ‘Slide numbers.’
A new window will pop up, allowing you to customize how your slide numbers will appear.
Step 3: Choose to Apply to All
In the ‘Slide numbers’ window, click on ‘Apply to all’ if you want to number all slides.
If you wish to exclude the title slide or any other specific slides from numbering, simply uncheck the box next to ‘Slide 1’ or any other slides you want to skip.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Organizational Clarity | Adding page numbers offers a clear structure to your presentation, making it easier for both you and your audience to navigate through the content. |
| Reference Efficiency | With page numbers, referencing specific slides becomes a breeze during discussions or Q&A sessions. |
| Professional Appearance | Numbered slides give your presentation a polished, professional look that can impress your audience and make your information more credible. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Limited Customization | Google Slides offers limited options to customize the appearance of page numbers, which may not satisfy all aesthetic preferences. |
| Possible Clutter | If your slides are already heavily populated with content, adding numbers might contribute to visual clutter. |
| Inconsistency | If you choose not to number all slides, it could cause confusion or an inconsistency in the presentation’s flow. |
Additional Information
When you’re adding page numbers to your Google Slides presentation, remember that the default location is usually in the bottom right corner of your slides. However, you’re not stuck with this! You can click and drag the placeholder to move it to a different spot on your slides if you would like. Also, keep in mind that while the font size and style of the page numbers will generally match your slide’s footer, you can change these aspects to suit your preferences or presentation style.
Another thing to consider is that if you’re working on a shared presentation, your collaborators will also see the page numbers you’ve inserted. This can be incredibly helpful for team edits and revisions. Plus, if you’re converting your Google Slides presentation to a PDF or printing it out, having those page numbers can be a lifesaver for maintaining order in your printed materials. Remember, it’s these little details that can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of your communication.
Summary
- Open your presentation and click ‘Insert.’
- Select ‘Slide numbers.’
- Choose ‘Apply to all’ or select specific slides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove page numbers from specific slides?
Yes, you can. When inserting page numbers, simply uncheck the slides you want to exclude from numbering.
Will the page numbers be visible when I print my presentation?
Absolutely, the page numbers will appear on your printed slides just as they do in the digital version.
Can I change the font and size of the page numbers?
Indeed, you can customize the font, size, and color of the page numbers to match your presentation’s design.
What if I add new slides after numbering?
New slides will automatically follow the numbering sequence, and you won’t need to insert numbers for them again.
Can I move the location of the page numbers?
Yes, you can click and drag the page number placeholder to move it to a different location on your slides.
Conclusion
Mastering the skill of inserting page numbers in your Google Slides presentation can have a remarkable effect on your ability to communicate effectively. It’s a simple addition that brings clarity, professionalism, and ease of reference to your slides, whether during a live presentation or in printed format.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can confidently add page numbers and elevate your presentation game. Remember, it’s the small details like this that can set you apart and ensure your message is received loud and clear. Now, go ahead and number away – your future presentations will thank you!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.